The search

After arriving in the UK on November 28th 2013, following a stopover in Dubai with friends Max and Jenny, we commenced the search for the ideal narrowboat to call home for the next few years. We were fortunate in experiencing the wonderful hospitality of Chris and Sue in Edgware and Max and Jenny (again) in their home in Youlgreave, both greatly assisting us to create bases from which to explore.

Our early forays investigating the many boats we had shortlisted from our copious internet searches led us to temporarily despair at locating our new home. However a chance conversation at one marina and a little patience and determination finally led us to Devizes where we met the stunning “Celtic Maid” for the first time.

There were still a few hoops to jump through – arranging a survey, negotiating the purchase price, identifying work to be done (heating to be fitted, hull blacking and minor repairs) and transferring payments from our Australian bank to those in the UK of the owner, broker and tradesmen!!

All required patience and determination but we were highly impressed by the friendliness and assistance provided by all at the Devizes Marina – particularly Deb – and our great surveyor – Charles – both of whom ensured that we understood the process and kept everything as simple as possible!!

Hi Folks,
great to hear you have made a good start, got a boat at least.
Will be thinking of you next week as we will be on the river too, at 44C no less.
Anyhow shouldn’t get too hot going 1km to the Woolshed Brewery.
Take Care and have fun, you’ve earned it.
I will follow your adventures.
Cheers
Roger

AHOY THERE! Glad to see you have found the one, looks very impressive I hope by now you are ready to go. Good start to the new year cant say i have sat on your lounge much yet Bob but it looks great in the newly painted room along with all the kids boxes of stuff one day ill get my room back. Just returned home from Adelaide went to a friends pool party for her birthday can you imagine swimming or is that thought too cool for you guys Portia too she says its freezing in NY right now . I cant get your e mail address to come up so ill go on here from time to time just to check Bron hasnt thrown you overboard Bob have fun nothing has changed here its just very hot not that it bothers me being inside all day take care .. PS have you let Bob touch your hair yet Bron i will want to see pictures .From that person still working 7 days a week.